10 000 police for Obama visit
2009-07-08 22:11
Accra - Authorities in Ghana say they will deploy more than 10 000 police in this West African nation to boost security for US President Barack Obama's weekend visit.
Assistant police commissioner Daniel Avorga told The Associated Press the security forces would be deployed in both the capital, Accra, and the town of Cape Coast, where Obama and his family will visit a former British fort once used to ship slaves to the Americas.
Obama arrives in Ghana late on Friday and will meet the country's president, speak to parliament and visit Cape Coast Castle before leaving on Saturday evening.
Obama is wildly popular in Ghana, and there are no known threats he would face in the country.
Avorga said on Wednesday the police mobilisation was aimed at ensuring his safety.
He said: "Obama's visit is historic. ... We want to ensure that everybody can move about freely without any fear."
- SAPA